Cheesy Orecchiette gratinate alla boscaiola Rustic Pasta Love
Warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this rustic Italian-inspired pasta bake combines orecchiette, earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping for a comforting dish perfect for any cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
· 400g orecchiette pasta
· 250g cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
· 200g mozzarella, diced
· 100g grated Parmesan cheese
· 200ml heavy cream
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
· 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 50g breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
2. Cook the orecchiette pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the skillet. Sauté until mushrooms release their juices and become golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir. Add half of the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
6. Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet, gently tossing to coat. Mix in half of the mozzarella cubes.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, followed by breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
· For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs lightly in olive oil before topping.
· This dish can be prepared ahead and baked later; allow it to reach room temperature before baking.
· Substitute other small pasta shapes if orecchiette isn’t available.
· Use a mix of mushrooms for added depth of flavor.